Construction has officially commenced on the new Vale Park Community Campus, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a £2.3 million government funded investment to enhance community sport and wellbeing facilities in Burslem. 

The project, which will transform underutilised land at Sproson Park into a multi-purpose community hub, is being supported by STRI Group, providing specialist consultancy across masterplanning, planning, sports surface design, environmental engineering and delivery. 

As part of the next phase of development, landscape architects have been appointed to explore sustainable design opportunities across the site. This includes the potential integration of blue-green infrastructure to improve water management, enhance biodiversity and support long-term environmental resilience. 

Will Turner, Community and CSR Director at Port Vale Football Club Foundation said, “This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Foundation and the wider community. The Vale Park Community Campus will create new opportunities for people of all ages to access high-quality community facilities, supporting health, wellbeing and participation in sport. We’re proud of a project that will have such a lasting positive impact locally.” 

Construction will be carried out by Carrick Construction, part of STRI Group, and the first phase of works began on Monday 13th April with completion of the overall project in spring / summer 2027.  Carrick will work with the project designers and architects to deliver the design to specification, meeting the needs of both community and wider users, while aligning with wider sustainability and maintenance considerations. 

James Podesta, Director of Development at STRI Group said, “The start of construction is a significant milestone for the Vale Park Community Campus. This project demonstrates how sports infrastructure can deliver real community impact while embedding sustainability at the core of its design. Working alongside partners such as Port Vale Football Club Fondation and Stoke on Trent Council and a highly talented consultancy and design team allows us to explore innovative solutions, including SuDS, to futureproof the development.” 

Once complete, the Vale Park Community Campus will stand as a flagship example of how sport, community and sustainable design can come together to create lasting social value, providing accessible, high-quality facilities that will support health, wellbeing and participation for generations to come.